From Rock Bottom to Role Model: Veteran Named VISN 8 Peer Specialist of the Year

Matt Labitzke, a U.S. Coast Guard Veteran and Bay Pines VA Healthcare System employee, was selected as the VISN 8 Peer Specialist of the Year. As a peer specialist, Labitzke works in outpatient mental health and leads 11 groups per week, that range from discussing topics like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and anger management, to anxiety and depression.

By Michael Brock, Public Affairs Specialist

October 7, 2025

For Matt Labitzke, a U.S. Coast Guard Veteran, the journey from homeless and hopeless to being honored as VISN 8 Peer Specialist of the Year has been nothing short of life changing.

Seven and a half years ago, Labitzke entered the Bay Pines VA Health Care System with nothing but the clothes on his back. Struggling with addiction and mental health challenges, he first entered inpatient treatment before moving through substance use recovery programs and the VA’s homeless program. Along the way, he met peer specialists, fellow Veterans living in recovery who now work for VA, who inspired him to believe change was possible.

“They gave me hope when I had none,” Labitzke recalled. “If I can be that for someone else, someone who’s struggling the way I was, that’s all the motivation I need.”

Today, Labitzke serves as a Bay Pines VA peer specialist for outpatient mental health, leading 11 weekly groups that range from discussing topics like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and anger management, to anxiety and depression. The groups provide more than education; they provide connections. “Community is essential. We’re social creatures, not meant to isolate,” Labitzke said. “My groups give Veterans a sense of belonging, a place to connect and thrive instead of just survive.”

The Veterans who Labitzke works with often attend multiple groups each week, and many say they look forward to the meetings as a highlight of their recovery.

“During the last year, Labitzke has met with over 2,600 Veterans,” said Bay Pines VA Local Recovery Program Manager Ann Canastra. “This award is well deserved, and we are honored to have him on our team.”

For Labitzke, his role isn’t just a job, it’s a calling that continues to fuel his own recovery.

“Honestly, I don’t have to work. But having a sense of purpose keeps me moving forward,” he explained. “Helping others and giving back. That’s what keeps me in recovery.”

Labitzke stresses that recovery is about more than just staying clean.

“There are four things everyone needs: health, a home, community, and purpose. Purpose changes your life from just surviving to thriving. That’s why this work means so much to me.”

Labitzke’s impact extends well beyond his day-to-day role. He volunteers with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), where he serves as a state trainer and has been nominated for a national training role. He also participates in crisis intervention training for law enforcement, sharing his story to help officers better understand and respond to those in crisis.

Receiving the Peer Specialist of the Year award is an honor, but for Labitzke, the real reward is seeing Veterans find hope.

“I still deal with my own mental health challenges,” he admitted. “But if I can help someone else manage theirs – if I can prevent them from ending up where I once was – that’s a win.”

For the countless Veterans he serves, Matt Labitzke isn’t just a peer specialist. He’s proof that recovery is possible, purpose is powerful, and no one has to walk the journey alone.